SIOUX FALLS — Lezlei Setzer has been a force in Sioux Falls Christian’s title defense season.

The 6-foot-2 junior center made a name for herself last season in the Class A state championship with a putback at the buzzer, but is looking to add to her resume this season.

As a first-year starter, Setzer has helped pace the Class A No. 5 Chargers to an 11-3 start with losses to Class A No. 3 Lennox (48-34), Class A No. 9 Rapid City Christian (55-54) and St. Michael Albertville, Minnesota (48-42).

Despite the three losses, Setzer says the team has responded well to the tough competition.

“I feel like we’re not letting that get to us, but instead fueling us to be able to keep on going and winning more and more games,” Setzer said.

SFC is on a three-game winning streak with a recent win over Class A No. 7 Sioux Valley, 55-46, at the Round Ball Classic on Jan. 31 in Volga. Setzer finished the win with 22 points, 12 rebounds (six offensive rebounds), two blocks and a steal.

Sioux Falls Christian's Lezlei Setzer celebrates with teammates after a foul during the Chargers' 55-46 win over Sioux Valley on Jan. 31, 2026, at the Round Ball Classic in Volga. (Jon Akre / 605 Sports)

“I feel like it was a solid team win,” Setzer said of the win over SV. “Second half was a little rough but I feel like we were able to come together and still play good.”

SFC head coach Dan DeJong says last season Setzer played a heavier role as a defender coming off the bench, but has become a bigger part of the offense this season.

“Last year she just took more pride in anchoring our defense a little bit more, being a longer shot blocker,” DeJong said. “This year she’s stepping up more to an offensive role. She was capable of that last year, now it’s just putting everything together and she’s starting to do that.”

DeJong also noted Setzer’s ability to impact the game without the ball in her hands, with constantly drawing attention in the post and giving opposing offenses trouble trying to work the ball inside the paint.

“Lezlei is a stud for us,” DeJong said. “She’s strong, she’s getting better every single game which is so fun to be able to see. She’s such a good kid and works hard and wants to get better and I really think every single game she continues to get better.”

Setzer has also had to step up as leader within the team despite it being just her second season as a Charger. She spent her freshman year at Harrisburg before making the switch to Sioux Falls Christian last season.

Sioux Falls Christian's Lezlei Setzer attempts to block a layup during the Chargers' 55-46 win over Sioux Valley on Jan. 31, 2026, at the Round Ball Classic in Volga. (Jon Akre / 605 Sports)

“This year I did have to step up a little more as a leader,” Setzer said. “Last year I was new and an underclassmen. This year just knowing I really did have to step it up and bring that leadership role.”

But Setzer’s length has certainly fit into an already long and athletic starting lineup, including 6-foot junior Emory Lems and 5-foot-10 senior Ruth Dvoracek. Setzer says her success is a direct result of her teammates finding her in the right spots.

“I feel like I put a lot of that on my teammates,” said Setzer, who is receiving interest from regional college basketball programs. “Just them being aware of the attention I can bring and being able to capitalize on that.”

And for a hungry Chargers squad looking for its second straight state girls basketball title, DeJong says they’ll “need to continue to play off of her.”

“We just have to be able to have good backside action,” DeJong said. “Reading that and not forcing it to her, but when she is open still getting her the ball.”